Gustakhi Martinez

How the Gustavo Martinez episode is bringing the issue of abusive relationships in ad agencies to the foreETBrandEquity | Updated: June 15, 2016, 09:58 IST

Illustration by Anirban BoraIrrespective of the outcome of the legal wrangles between Erin Johnson, and JWT's (now former) CEO Gustavo Martinez, the case has certainly brought the issue of abusive relationships in ad agencies into the spotlight Closer home, many a local Bill Cosby is being called out and asked to pack up and leave.

A little birdie tells us the exit of a specialist agency head — in the news as recently as a fortnight ago — was actually due to his repeated misconduct towards women employees in the agency. In addition, his rude and abusive behaviour to his subordinates has inspired many to leave the agency en masse and seek fresher or at least less toxic pastures.

The agency never gave him a stern 'shape up or ship out' warning, we hear. Instead, it tried to counsel him for two years. In vain. Since things weren't getting any better, one fine morning he was asked to leave — no notice, or negotiation. Our mole says he represents only the tip of the iceberg. The silver lining: an increasing number of people coming to the fore, unwilling to put up with such behaviour.